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OREO Dirt Cake – Creamy, Fun & Crowd-Favorite Dessert

This OREO Dirt Cake is one of the most nostalgic and crowd-pleasing no-bake desserts ever created. With layers of crushed OREO “dirt,” silky vanilla cream filling, and light whipped topping, this dessert is creamy, crunchy, and playful all at once. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, kids’ parties, and any time you want a fun dessert that’s easy, no-bake, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you serve it in a big dish or individual jars, every bite is a mix of OREO crunch, creamy pudding, and sweet whipped layers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
chill time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the OREO “Dirt” Layer
  • 1 package OREO cookies regular or double-stuff
  • 4 tablespoons Butter melted (optional, for firmer dirt crust)
For the Creamy Filling
  • 2 cups Cold milk
  • 1 package Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 8 oz Cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 2 cups Whipped topping or homemade whipped cream
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
  • Gummy worms
  • Crushed chocolate cookies
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate shavings
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Equipment

  • Food processor or rolling pin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9×13 pan OR trifle dish
  • Spoon for layering
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Plastic cups (optional for individual servings)

Method
 

  1. 🔹 PART 1 — MAKE THE OREO “DIRT”
Step 1 — Crush the OREOs
  1. Option A — Food Processor
  2. Add whole OREOs and pulse into fine crumbs.
  3. Option B — Bag & Rolling Pin
  4. Place cookies in a sealed bag.
  5. Smash until sandy and fine.
  6. Leave the cream inside — it adds moisture and flavor.
Step 2 — Optional: Add Melted Butter
  1. Mix crumbs with melted butter if you want a firmer crust layer.
Step 3 — Set Aside “Dirt”
  1. Keep a cup of crumbs for topping at the end.
  2. 🔹 PART 2 — PREPARE THE CREAM FILLING
Step 4 — Beat the Cream Cheese
  1. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5 — Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla
  1. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  2. Beat again until fluffy.
Step 6 — Make the Pudding
  1. In another bowl, whisk cold milk with instant pudding.
  2. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 7 — Fold in Whipped Topping
  1. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
  2. Use slow motions to keep the filling light and airy.
Step 8 — Combine Pudding + Cream Mixture
  1. Add the thickened pudding to the cream mixture.
  2. Fold until smooth, silky, and pale yellow.
  3. This becomes the creamy “soil” layer of your dirt cake.
  4. 🔹 PART 3 — ASSEMBLE THE DIRT CAKE
Step 9 — Start With OREO Dirt
  1. Add a generous layer of crushed OREO crumbs to the bottom of your dish.
Step 10 — Add Cream Layer
  1. Spoon half the cream mixture onto the crumbs.
  2. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 11 — Add Another Layer of OREO Dirt
  1. Sprinkle another thick layer of crumbs.
Step 12 — Top With Remaining Cream
  1. Add the rest of the cream mixture and smooth the top.
Step 13 — Final Dirt Layer
  1. Sprinkle leftover OREO crumbs over the entire top.
  2. It should look like a pot of rich, dark “soil.”
  3. 🔹 PART 4 — DECORATE
Step 14 — Add Gummy Worms
  1. Push gummy worms halfway into the “dirt” for a realistic look.
Step 15 — Add Optional Toppings
  1. Chocolate shavings
  2. Mini chocolate chips
  3. Cookie chunks
  4. Holiday sprinkles
Step 16 — Chill Before Serving
  1. Refrigerate 2–4 hours to let layers firm.
  2. For the best texture, chill overnight.

Notes

🧊 Storage
Refrigerator
Keeps up to 3 days covered.
Freezer
Freeze up to 1 month — thaw before serving.
Room Temperature
Safe for 1–2 hours during serving.
🥄 Variations
1. Pumpkin Dirt Cake
Add pumpkin puree + cinnamon to the cream layer.
2. Chocolate Dirt Cake
Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
3. Christmas Dirt Cake
Add red and green sprinkles + Christmas gummy candies.
4. Oreo Mint Dirt Cake
Use mint OREOs + a drop of peppermint extract.
5. Birthday Cake Dirt Dessert
Add sprinkles to the cream + golden OREOs.
6. Strawberry Dirt Cups
Add chopped strawberries + strawberry pudding.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream?
Both work — just ensure it’s thick and stable.
2. Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes — it actually tastes better the next day.
3. Why is my filling too runny?
The pudding must be fully set before mixing.
4. Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes — use 100% whipped topping + pudding for a lighter version.
5. Can kids help make this?
Absolutely — it’s one of the most kid-friendly desserts.
6. Can I use flavored OREOs?
Yes — mint, chocolate fudge, golden, or any seasonal flavor.
7. Why does my crust fall apart?
Add melted butter to bind the crumbs more firmly.
8. Can I make individual dirt cups?
Yes — perfect for parties and easier to serve.
9. Can I add mix-ins?
Mini chocolate chips or chopped OREOs work great.
10. How do I keep the cream layer extra fluffy?
Don’t overmix the whipped topping.
🏁 Conclusion
This OREO Dirt Cake is creamy, nostalgic, and irresistibly fun. Made with crushed OREOs, fluffy cream filling, and playful gummy worms, it’s a dessert that brings smiles to kids and adults alike. With no baking required and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for quick entertaining, holidays, birthdays, potlucks, and any moment that calls for something sweet, creamy, and unforgettable. Every spoonful delivers the perfect blend of crumbly chocolate cookies, silky cream, and childhood joy.